Lafayette County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Missouri
The population of Lafayette County, Missouri is 32,974 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $79,091, the median home value is $200,300, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Lafayette County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (33,380 → 33,511), a +0.03% annualized rate.
32,974
Population
+0.03%
Annual growth
52
People / sq mi
$79,091
Median Income
$200,300
Median Home Value
Lafayette County covers 628 sq mi of land at 52.5 people per square mile.
About Lafayette County, MO
What sets Lafayette County apart is money: median household income runs $79,091, near the US median of $78,538. Lafayette County is a county in Missouri with a population of 32,974. It ranks #35 among counties in Missouri by population.
The typical household earns $79,091 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Only 6.8% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $200,300, with typical rent around $848.
24.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.1%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Lafayette County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Lafayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lafayette County had a population of 33,380 in 2010 and 33,511 in 2024, a 0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,511 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
33,511
Population (2024)
33,380
Population (2010)
33,511
Peak (2024)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,380 |
| 2011 | 33,213 |
| 2012 | 33,061 |
| 2013 | 32,828 |
| 2014 | 32,627 |
| 2015 | 32,633 |
| 2016 | 32,532 |
| 2017 | 32,604 |
| 2018 | 32,567 |
| 2019 | 32,774 |
| 2020 | 33,050 |
| 2021 | 32,835 |
| 2022 | 32,937 |
| 2023 | 33,244 |
| 2024 | 33,511 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,091+$10,171 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,942 |
| Per-capita income | $35,510 |
| Poverty rate | 6.8%-1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
26.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$200,300$-15,300 vs state
Median home value
$848
Median rent
76.5%
Homeownership rate
14,183
Total housing units
87.7%
Occupied
12.3%
Vacant
23.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
17.9%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
24.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lafayette County, Missouri has a population of 32,974 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 52 people per square mile.
The population of Lafayette County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (33,380 → 33,511), a +0.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lafayette County, Missouri is $79,091, with mean (average) household income of $91,942 and per-capita income of $35,510. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lafayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.6%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lafayette County, Missouri is 40.9 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Lafayette County is $200,300 and median monthly rent is $848. 76.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,183 total housing units, 12.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Lafayette County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Lafayette County, MO Climate
Lafayette County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 1010 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
1010
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 26° | 36 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 38 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 72 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 96 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 123 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 115 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 103 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 95 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 119 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 91 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 73 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 49 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lafayette County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Lafayette County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lafayette County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.